Josiane, Helmut, Dorgan, and Hiridren follow their fellows through the dog-leg passages of the Basal, and up the narrow, cylindrical stair that climbs into the disheveled chapel. From there they depart via the main double-door which takes them outside into the courtyard--where they find it is now late afternoon.

They tramp across the broad, razed courtyard toward the buildings opposite where they can already see signs of activity. It appears that Ulric, Beringar, and Valorn have already put the dozen or so weary pilgrims to work clearing out the refectory; there is an ominous pile of broken furniture and rubbish amassing right outside the door.

Ulric is seated inside the refectory, calmly smoking a pipe and skimming through an ominous tome entitled The Abridged Verses of the Underworld while the others labour. The Firestarter has a stern reputation and makes for a frightening figure--he has the pilgrims intimidated into obedience.

Hiridhren hustles back to the group after stopping momentarily in the ring room to provide Dieter a torch, and get it lit so those folks have some light. When he gets there, he does his best to conceal his lineage for the time being with the pilgrims present. He keeps the hood of his cloak closely about his head, hopefully keeping the tell-tale sight of his ears from plain view.

"Dorgan, Josiane... If it please you, I'd like to have a look around the perimeter of this area. Might be well for us to know if any strange nook has been left unfound."

After this, before starting to work with the rest of the group, the Elf will move about the area and conduct secret door searches.

sully wrote:Fine by me, just take Beringar or Valorn with you. No one walks alone.

Dhren gets a look on his face as if he's just realized the severity of a situation he's not yet been exposed too... That sort of look like one's face lights up with understanding. "...Yes, Yes, Dorgan... I believe I should. If one of those should accompany me, I'd be appreciative."

The elf awaits one of those people to come with him, before leaving sight of the group to go searching for doors.

Helmut observes the pilgrims with a frown, quietly impressed by their industriousness where before there was little but indolence. He makes the link between their behaviour and the ominous presence of the one called 'the firestarter' and makes a mental note not to upset the dour wizard.

Seeing there is litle to be done in the kitchens, he decides to follow Dorgan to the dorms. The gruff dwarf seems to speak for the Lady Josiane afterall, as if they share some bond, he considers with not a little envy.

Josiane will set about organising the pilgrims as Dorgan suggests, giving clear (but friendly) instructions that they work in pairs at all times and that no-one wanders off alone.

She will then set her own hand to the labours with a cheerful air, assisting and encouraging where she can, that smile of hers always at the ready.

Truth to tell, she rather enjoys the simple pleasures of tasks like this. It reminds her of happier times squiring her foster-father before she achieved 'sainthood..' (Inwardly she blanches at the very thought of this vaguely blasphemous idea... )

(O.O.C: Should FINALLY get my home back over the course of the weekend, at which time life goes back to normal and I should be able to post regularly again. Apologies for the silences. I've been climbing walls here at times! )

Merctime wrote:| Is it OK to assume one or both of these fellows moves out with Dhren to conduct his secret door search? |

Beringar is an accommodating sort, and has no problem taking a break from his labors to accompany Dhren. Valorn, on the other hand, is a proud and gruff dwarfish sort, and sees no reason why he should play second fiddle to an elf. He remains with the others.

Stepping out along the interior of the abbey, Hiridhren walks alongside Beringar as he paces out the interior walls of the place. He's keeping count, to judge distance, and also scanning the stonework of the walls and floors for any signs of hidden doors.

Every 10' or so he will tap lightly at the stone wall, and the floor just under, with the hilt of his sword. Not to make noise, but to hear if any sounds hollow. Note that if this begins to make a racket of any sort detectable at a moderate distance, such as an echo, he will immediately stop.

He will also stop if this begins to take so much time that the others are done working, or there is some sort of commotion that draws his attention.